This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy dressing paired with fresh vegetables, diced ham, and a tropical twist from pineapple. The sweet and savory flavors meld perfectly, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or BBQs, this salad can be prepared in advance and served cold, ensuring you always have a delicious side dish on hand. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family meal, this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad will surely become a favorite!
Full Recipe:
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8 oz elbow macaroni
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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1/2 cup diced celery
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1/2 cup diced red onion
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1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or yellow)
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1 cup diced ham
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1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Directions:
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Add the shredded carrots, diced celery, red onion, bell pepper, diced ham, pineapple, and green onions to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Gently fold in the cooled macaroni and mix until fully coated in the creamy dressing.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. The salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: A Creamy and Sweet Summer Classic
Hawaiian macaroni salad is a quintessential side dish that brings together the perfect balance of creamy textures, sweet flavors, and a refreshing bite of vegetables. Known for its creamy and tangy mayonnaise-based dressing, this pasta salad is a mainstay at summer barbecues, potlucks, and other gatherings. What sets it apart from other pasta salads is its unique preparation method, where the macaroni is cooked beyond al dente to a tender consistency, allowing it to better absorb the sweet and tangy dressing.
In addition to the macaroni, the salad features a variety of fresh ingredients such as grated carrots, sweet onions, and a bit of sugar to enhance the dish’s sweetness. The addition of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or mirin, lends just the right amount of acidity, perfectly balancing the creaminess of the dressing. As the salad sits in the fridge for a couple of hours, the flavors meld together, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish that will keep you coming back for more.
The History of Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
While it’s commonly associated with Hawaiian cuisine, the origins of Hawaiian macaroni salad are a bit unclear. It is thought to have evolved as a result of the influx of different culinary traditions in Hawaii, particularly from Asian and American cultures. Macaroni salad itself was introduced to Hawaii by early European and American settlers, but it was adapted and modified to suit local tastes, especially with the addition of tropical ingredients and sweeter flavors.
The version most commonly seen today is heavily mayonnaise-based, often incorporating a touch of vinegar for acidity, and sometimes even a bit of sweet relish or sugar to add a touch of sweetness. This unique fusion of sweet and savory flavors is what has made Hawaiian macaroni salad a popular side dish in the state, where it’s often served alongside grilled meats, barbecue, or other local favorites like pork, chicken, and seafood.
What Makes Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Special?
Unlike traditional mainland macaroni salads, which typically feature a firm, al dente pasta, Hawaiian macaroni salad calls for a softer, more tender macaroni. The macaroni is cooked past al dente to ensure it absorbs the creamy dressing fully. This softness allows the salad to feel indulgent, yet still refreshing and light. The dressing, typically made from a combination of mayonnaise, milk, and a bit of sugar, is what gives the salad its signature creamy texture, while also offering a delightful sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
Another feature of Hawaiian macaroni salad is the way the flavors develop over time. Unlike some pasta salads that are best eaten right away, Hawaiian macaroni salad is at its peak after being chilled for a couple of hours, allowing the macaroni to fully absorb the dressing. This makes it an excellent dish to prepare in advance, especially for busy gatherings and parties. It also keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, with the flavor intensifying as it sits.
Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian macaroni salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing with other dishes. Its rich, creamy texture makes it a perfect companion to a variety of grilled meats, especially those with bold flavors such as barbecued pork, grilled chicken, or beef ribs. It also pairs wonderfully with seafood, making it a great choice to serve alongside shrimp, fish, or grilled scallops. In addition, the salad’s sweetness complements spicy dishes, adding a cooling element to balance out heat.
Some common dishes that pair well with Hawaiian macaroni salad include:
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Ginger Garlic Sesame Shrimp: The savory, garlicky flavor of the shrimp works perfectly with the sweetness and creaminess of the macaroni salad.
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Barbecued Pork Shoulder: The smoky, juicy pork complements the cool and refreshing salad for a perfect meal combination.
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Grilled Spicy Citrus Ribs: The tangy and spicy flavors of the ribs are mellowed out by the richness of the macaroni salad.
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Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs: The combination of grilled chicken and tropical pineapple pairs beautifully with the sweet and creamy salad.
In addition to these savory dishes, Hawaiian macaroni salad also works wonderfully as a standalone side dish or even as a light meal on its own, particularly when paired with fresh fruit, a refreshing green salad, or other light, summer fare.
Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
While Hawaiian macaroni salad is simple to make, a few tips can help ensure the dish turns out perfectly every time:
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Choose the Right Mayonnaise: For the most authentic flavor, it’s recommended to use Hellman’s or Best Foods mayonnaise. These brands are known for their rich, creamy texture, which contributes to the salad’s signature taste.
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Don’t Skimp on Chilling Time: One of the most important steps in making Hawaiian macaroni salad is ensuring it chills properly. This allows the macaroni to fully absorb the dressing and gives the flavors time to meld together. Be sure to refrigerate the salad for at least two hours before serving.
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Adjust the Sweetness: While the traditional recipe calls for sugar, feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more sugar, or if you prefer a tangier dish, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
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Use Fresh Vegetables: The addition of grated carrots, diced onions, and other fresh vegetables adds both flavor and texture to the salad. Be sure to chop them finely for the best results.
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Prepare in Advance: Hawaiian macaroni salad is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: A Perfect Summer Side Dish
In conclusion, Hawaiian macaroni salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleasing classic that brings a little bit of the tropics to any meal. Its creamy texture, sweet and tangy dressing, and vibrant vegetables make it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or any summer fare. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, attending a picnic, or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, Hawaiian macaroni salad is sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and only gets better with time.
Conclusion
Hawaiian macaroni salad is a delightful, versatile dish that offers a refreshing combination of flavors and textures. From its creamy, tangy dressing to its soft macaroni and vibrant vegetables, it’s a dish that can be adapted to suit any occasion or meal. Whether you’re enjoying a summer barbecue or making it ahead for a picnic, this salad is guaranteed to impress. With a few simple ingredients and some easy preparation, you can create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.